First Nations health clinic opens with $6.5m, zero government funding
Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service opened a $6.5m Wodonga clinic without government funding, using a loan instead.
State and federal funding fell short. The health service decided to build anyway.
Chief executive David Noonan said the success felt even greater. No government money came into the building.
The clinic on Hovell Street was designed with Indigenous artists. TVN on Country built it with many First Nations apprentices and carpenters.
The project put $1.38m into local Indigenous businesses. One third of the total workforce were women.
The health service is now hiring three GPs for the new clinic.
- $6.5 million
- Construction cost
- Zero
- Government funding
- $1.38 million
- To Indigenous businesses
- 19 years
- CEO tenure
Why it mattersIt shows Indigenous organisations can secure funding. They can deliver major health infrastructure. They do this through their own drive and business strength.
AustraliaThe clinic will serve the Albury Wodonga community and reduce pressure on the public health system, set an example for First Nations health services nationwide.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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